APPENDIX C
WOOD POLE WOODPECKER DAMAGE REPAIR
C-1. INTRODUCTION.-This appendix covers a
method of repairing wood pole damage caused
by woodpeckers thereby eliminating the climbing
hazard, potential decay points, costly pole
replacement, and regaining structural strength.
method of repairing wood pole damage caused
by woodpeckers thereby eliminating the climbing
hazard, potential decay points, costly pole
replacement, and regaining structural strength.
C-2. MATERIAL.-Excellent results have been
obtained using the Semco epoxy compound to
fill holes in wood poles. Adhesion to wood fiber
was very good even where moisture was
present, as the heat generated by the epoxy
drives the moisture out and vaporizes it, as
witnessed during trial application at the
Bonneville Power Administration's Ross
Laboratory. Texture of the material after curing
was about the same as a knot and will support a
lineman's climber to a better degree than a knot.
The material can also be worked with standard
tools such as drill bits, axe, chain saw, etc., with
no damage to the tool. 'the material is also
useful in blocking around cables to prevent
rodent access into control buildings from cable
trenches. In order to obtain the desired results,
it is very important that the manufacturer's
mixing instructions be followed closely. Failing to
do so will give undesirable results.
obtained using the Semco epoxy compound to
fill holes in wood poles. Adhesion to wood fiber
was very good even where moisture was
present, as the heat generated by the epoxy
drives the moisture out and vaporizes it, as
witnessed during trial application at the
Bonneville Power Administration's Ross
Laboratory. Texture of the material after curing
was about the same as a knot and will support a
lineman's climber to a better degree than a knot.
The material can also be worked with standard
tools such as drill bits, axe, chain saw, etc., with
no damage to the tool. 'the material is also
useful in blocking around cables to prevent
rodent access into control buildings from cable
trenches. In order to obtain the desired results,
it is very important that the manufacturer's
mixing instructions be followed closely. Failing to
do so will give undesirable results.
C-3. PROCEDURE.-Have an adequate supply of
material on hand to fill hole until excess starts to
ooze out. Material warmed to room temperature
is best for mixing, applying, and curing.
material on hand to fill hole until excess starts to
ooze out. Material warmed to room temperature
is best for mixing, applying, and curing.
(1) Cover hole opening with cardboard
and staple with stapling gun at upper
end of hole to be filled.
and staple with stapling gun at upper
end of hole to be filled.
(2) Mix epoxy according to instructions
and squeeze contents into hole until
excess oozes out. This assures a firm
bond to wood and completely fills the
and squeeze contents into hole until
excess oozes out. This assures a firm
bond to wood and completely fills the
cavity when expansion from curing
occurs.
occurs.
(3) Most curing and expansion occurs
within 10 minutes and cardboard can be
removed and excess material readily
chipped off.
within 10 minutes and cardboard can be
removed and excess material readily
chipped off.
Excess material that will not go into hole can be
used to fill cracks or other voids.
used to fill cracks or other voids.
C-4. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.-
(1) Avoid direct skin contact by using
disposable polyethylene protective
gloves. Skin or barrier creams are not
recommended.
disposable polyethylene protective
gloves. Skin or barrier creams are not
recommended.
(2) Avoid breathing vapors; especially
when working in a confined area.
when working in a confined area.
(3) Do not burn or heat to decomposition
because toxic fumes (amines,
isocyanates) may be emitted.
because toxic fumes (amines,
isocyanates) may be emitted.
(4) Wear eye protection during all
applications.
applications.
C-5. FIRST AID PROCEDURES.-
(1) Skin- Wash thoroughly with soap and
water.
water.
(2) Eyes - Flush immediately with plenty
of water; see a physician.
of water; see a physician.
(3) Inhalation - If used in a confined
area, remove person to fresh air.
area, remove person to fresh air.
23 (FIST 4- 6)